Ingredients
To make this delicious pesto chicken pasta bake, you don’t need a long grocery list of complicated ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts if you prefer)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta Bake:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced (you can also use rotisserie chicken)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works great)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Creating this pesto chicken pasta bake is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto Sauce
First, let’s start by making the pesto sauce. It’s quick, simple, and packs in so much flavor. Add your fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a food processor. Pulse it a few times until everything is finely chopped. While the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil to create a smooth, creamy pesto. Once done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While you’re preparing the pesto, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This should take around 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using raw chicken breasts, cook them through by pan-searing or grilling them. Once cooked, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as well. Just shred it into small pieces for an easy shortcut!
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and pesto sauce. Then, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half for extra creaminess. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the pesto mixture. This is where the magic happens, and the dish starts coming together beautifully!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Now, transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese on top. These cheeses will melt and form that golden, bubbly crust we all love in a baked pasta dish.
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges should be slightly crispy and golden. It’s hard to resist the tempting aroma filling the kitchen at this point!
Final Thoughts: A Dish You’ll Make Again and Again
Once you try this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll quickly see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. With its easy preparation, rich flavors, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this delicious comfort food today!
